Author: Devin James

SEN. WINFIELD TO SEEK LEGISLATION TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE IN BAD COP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER HIRINGS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. WINFIELD TO SEEK LEGISLATION TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE IN BAD COP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER HIRINGS

HARTFORD – Prompted by a Hearst Connecticut news investigation which found that at least 10 school systems in Connecticut are employing school resource officers who are disgraced former police officers, state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), who is Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee, said
today he will seek to raise a bill this session to close that loophole.

The news story can be found here: CT schools hired ex-officers with track records of misconduct

“This is a major issue. You can’t use a loophole to put dangerous people in front of our kids,” Sen. Winfield said. “This is something we should take seriously, and I will be looking to close this ‘loophole,’ although I actually believe that if you read the state statutes together about police accountability and hiring school resource officers, it’s pretty clear that you can’t do both. So we need to clarify that. I don’t see us waiting. Most people don’t want these individuals around our kids.”

The Hearst investigation found instances where a former Wolcott police officer who used a racial slur and put a 15-year-old girl in a headlock was hired as a school resource officer, as was a former Bridgeport police officer who failed to report a high-speed chase that left two people dead, and two former Connecticut State Troopers who created hundreds of falsified traffic tickets.

In Connecticut, school resource officers – also known by the acronym SROs – are sworn police officers who typically perform a number of community policing roles to make schools safer for students and staff, including acting as a community liaison, mentor, role model, law enforcement officer, developing school policies that concern criminal activity and school safety, and teaching classes about substance abuse awareness, gang resistance, and crime prevention. A 2022 survey of 87 school districts in Connecticut found that 68% of them employ SROs.

Connecticut law states that school boards may only enter into an agreement to hire a retired police officer to provide security in public schools if that officer “retired or separated in good standing from such department” or from the State Police.

In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, Connecticut Democrats passed the Police Accountability law, which among other sections allows the state Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to revoke an officer’s certification for conduct undermining public confidence in law enforcement, including discriminatory conduct, falsifying reports, and racial profiling. Prior to that 2020 law, police officers were only fired for felony convictions or making false statements to superiors.

From 1988 to 2021 – a third of a century – 79 police officers in Connecticut were decertified, nearly all for felony convictions. But from November 2021 to April 2025 – over just 41 months – 32 police officers in Connecticut have been decertified, nearly all for “misconduct” or “untruthfulness.”

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Nearly $500k for Rocky Hill Batting Cages

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Nearly $500k for Rocky Hill Batting Cages

ROCKY HILL – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser celebrated approval of $495,000 by the State Bond Commission for the construction of an indoor batting cage facility at Elm Ridge Park in Rocky Hill.

The funding was approved unanimously on Thursday by the State Bond Commission.

“Rocky Hill Little League is an incredible asset for our community and the construction of these batting cages will really help level up their program,” said Sen. Lesser. “Now our young athletes will be able to work on their skills all year round. I am grateful to the State Bond Commission for approving the funding, and to Mayor Smith for his vision and leadership.”

This funding was previously allocated for an economic development project that has been paused. The State Bond Commission voted to reallocate this funding for the indoor batting cage project.

Sen. Slap Condemns Threat on West Hartford Synagogue

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Condemns Threat on West Hartford Synagogue

Today, State Senator Derek Slap condemned a bomb-threat received by Congregation Beth Israel on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford. Synagogues in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont received a non-specific bomb threat via email. West Hartford Police responded immediately to the threat, and the Congregation has declared there is no substantiated threat at this time.

“This is yet another example of a vile rise in anti-Semitism across the globe as we saw in Australia last week, and right here in our backyard. For this attack to happen at all, let alone during Hanukkah, is extremely disturbing. I stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors and friends, and I hope their celebration remains a reminder of the strength of community, and the triumph of light over darkness. These types of threats are the latest example of why the nonprofit security grant program I created in 2019 is so important and we must continue to invest in it.”

In 2019, Sen. Slap and State Senator Saud Anwar introduced a bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). In the 2025 legislation session, Senators Slap and Anwar secured an additional $10 million for the program, bringing the state investment to $20 million. This program was created amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship in recent years and today, applications continue to flood the program.

CT-NSGP provides reimbursement for nonprofits, including houses of worship, that have undergone security enhancements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act.

To learn more or apply, visit here.

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

Posted on by Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

 

STAMFORD, CT – Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Thursday approval of $2 million in state funding for essential improvements to Stamford’s Hatchfield Park.

The park will receive comprehensive renovations including accessibility upgrades, rehabilitated facilities, improved pathways, and enhanced recreational spaces. The funding supports the city’s broader efforts to revitalize neighborhood parks and expand programming for residents of all ages.

“Hatchfield Park has been the heart of the neighborhood for West Side residents for generations. I remember it being a safe place where children and teenagers gathered for all sorts of activities, but when I visit today I see playground surfaces that have become tripping hazards for our kids, a basketball court where grass pokes through cracked pavement, and paint flaking off rusted equipment,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Our families deserve better and this grant will help transform Hatchfield into a safe, welcoming space with ADA-compliant pathways, a rehabilitated pavilion, and modern amenities that work for everyone. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for the investment in this neighborhood space where our children play and our families gather.”

“As House Chair of the Children’s Committee, I have a responsibility to ensure that our policies and investments support the health, safety, and development of children,” Representative Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “Playgrounds are essential community spaces that promote physical activity, learning, and social connection. Hatchfield Park has served Stamford residents for decades, and this funding will ensure it continues to be a safe and vibrant resource for families on the city’s West Side. I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving these funds to strengthen this important community asset.”

“Our local parks serve a vital purpose for our communities, providing outdoor recreation and fresh air while also bringing people together,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “If the resources they offer fade and degrade, they potentially can fall into disrepair. I’m encouraged these funds will make certain that Hatchfield Park remains a vibrant, well-loved space for Stamford residents to enjoy.”

“Investing in Hatchfield Park means investing in our community,” Representative Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “These comprehensive renovations will ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy this shared public space for years to come.”

“Hatchfield Park has played a significant role in the Stamford community for decades, as a place for the neighborhood for all kinds of activities,” said Representative Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford. “These critical renovations will allow Hatchfield Park to continue to thrive as a place for Stamford residents to build a community and connect with each other.”

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed a variety of state bonding projects that will benefit not only eastern Connecticut, but will benefit towns and young people all across Connecticut. Each project is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission when it meets tomorrow, Thursday, December 18 at 10 a.m. in Hartford.

Senator Osten welcomed $1 million for a state Department of Social Services customer service center to operate as a new opportunity center in Norwich, and $1.37 million for new refrigerant and chilled water piping, updated controls, and roof work the Uncas on Thames Campus at 401 West Thames Street in Norwich.

Sen. Osten also welcomed a $500,000 state grant for Special Olympics Connecticut to use for the construction of a new headquarters in Bristol, and $400,000 for upgrades to a wastewater pump station in Preston on the site of the former Norwich State Hospital. The pump station needs upgrades to prepare for the Mohegan Tribe’s Preston Riverwalk development, which is expected to increase demand on the town-owned sewer pumping station.

Sen. Osten also welcomed $30 million in new,  so-called “DRIP” funds – the state’s District Repair and Improvement Program – that was just created this year to provide funding to assist public schools with the costs of minor capital repairs, improvements and maintenance, and to reduce the need for more costly and extensive renovations in the future.

“This is nearly a billion-dollar bonding agenda, and I want everyone to notice that about half of it is being spent on cities and towns. The state is picking up the tab for projects all across Connecticut that local taxpayers would otherwise be paying higher property taxes for,” Sen. Osten said. “Each of these projects has its own unique and local impact. Norwich is getting better social services delivery. Preston and the region will see economic development due to an updated wastewater pumping station. The Connecticut Special Olympics won’t have to fundraise as long or as hard to build their new headquarters. And schoolchildren all across the state will have safer, more modern schools which their parents don’t have to pay more local property taxes to improve. This state funding is great news, especially in this economy and at this time of year.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Posted on by Devin James

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) are releasing a statement following Trump’s new executive order blocking states from enforcing their own regulations around AI.

“With the gridlock in DC, states have been the only ones to act to defend their residents from harms of social media, and this executive order would prevent states from acting to defend their residents from potential harms of AI,” said Sen. Maroney. “We will not harness the full potential of this technology until the majority of people feel safe in using it, and this order is a major step in the wrong direction.”

“Connecticut and several other states have been leading the way in establishing common sense AI standards that protect workers, consumers, and children in everyday life,” said Sen. Looney. “Preventing states from regulating artificial intelligence exposes people to dangerous decisions, allows companies to operate without accountability, increases the likelihood of errors, and widens inequality. We will continue to champion strong, thoughtful regulation that ensures the public feels safe using these powerful technologies.”

“Donald Trump’s executive order on artificial intelligence is not about innovation or public safety. It is about enriching millionaires and billionaires at the expense of working people,” said Senator Duff. “States have stepped up where Congress has failed to protect people online, and Trump and his billionaire allies in Big Tech are afraid of that progress. By trying to strip states of their authority, this order would leave the public more vulnerable to discrimination, unsafe content, and reckless decision-making by powerful tech platforms. Executive orders are not law, and this unconstitutional overreach will be challenged in court. Like so many of Trump’s past wannabe authoritarian type actions, I expect this order to end up in the ash heap of defeated executive orders.”